If you're a fan of good old-fashioned barbecue, then you're in for a treat in Louisville. This city is home to some of the best rib joints in the country, each with its own unique spin on this classic dish.
Whether you're in the mood for tangy sauce, fall-off-the-bone meat, or a crispy char on the outside, you're sure to find something to love in Louisville.
But with so many options to choose from, how do you know where to start? That's where we come in. As locals who have spent years exploring the city's barbecue scene, we've narrowed down the best places for ribs in Louisville.
We've tried them all, from hole-in-the-wall joints to upscale restaurants, and we're here to share our top picks with you.
Whether you're a lifelong resident or just passing through, this guide will help you find the perfect spot to satisfy your craving for ribs.
So sit back, grab a napkin, and get ready to drool over the best barbecue Louisville has to offer.
1. Momma's Mustard, Pickles & BBQ
Looking for some delicious BBQ ribs in town that will leave you craving for more, then Momma's Mustard, Pickles & BBQ is the place to be.
This BBQ restaurant offers Kansas City-style BBQ ribs and other meats that are cooked to perfection. The sides are also noteworthy, with many options available.
The restaurant is designed to provide a comfortable and classic atmosphere to its customers. The service is attentive and friendly, providing a great dining experience.
The food is reasonably priced, making it an excellent value for money. If you're looking for great BBQ ribs, then Momma's Mustard, Pickles & BBQ is the place to be.
2. Redlands Grill
Redlands Grill is a restaurant chain offering wood-fired American cuisine with a contemporary twist.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including ribs, steaks, salmon, and vegan burgers.
The food is cooked to perfection and the service is attentive and friendly. The atmosphere is modern and inviting, with a well-stocked bar and comfortable seating.
If you're in the mood for some delicious ribs, Redlands Grill is definitely worth a visit.
3. City Barbeque
City Barbeque is the go-to place for those who love smoked and barbequed meats. With its down-home setting, this counter-serve smokehouse chain offers classic barbecue fare that will leave you craving for more.
Their ribs are a must-try, and they are so good that you won't even need the sauce.
The brisket is also superb and cooked to perfection. The sides are delicious, and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
With reasonable prices and excellent customer service, City Barbeque is definitely worth a visit.
4. Mark's Feed Store
Mark's Feed Store is a local chain that serves up delicious BBQ, fish, comfort sides, and desserts in a casual space with a country vibe.
Their ribs are a must-try, with a great balance of smoky flavor and tenderness. The brisket is also a crowd favorite, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor.
The portion sizes are generous and the prices are reasonable, making it a great value for money. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, perfect for a casual night out with friends or family.
With excellent service and mouth-watering food, Mark's Feed Store is definitely worth a visit for anyone craving some delicious BBQ.
5. Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is a roadhouse-style eatery that serves up whole-hog pit-fired BBQ, chicken, tacos, and burgers.
The restaurant is known for its succulent and flavorful ribs, which are smoked on premise daily. Customers can choose from a variety of sauces, including a spicy BBQ sauce with a raspberry tang.
The restaurant has a relaxed vibe and is decorated with nostalgic signs and posters. Despite the overwhelming smoke from the in-house smoker, the food is worth a visit.
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint is highly recommended for those looking for delicious BBQ in a casual atmosphere.
6. FDKY BBQ
FDKY BBQ is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys a good rack of ribs. The restaurant offers a variety of meats, including brisket, chicken, and pulled pork, all of which are smoked to perfection.
The sauces are also a standout, with three different styles to choose from.
The sides are equally impressive, with options like creamy mac and cheese and well-seasoned green beans.
The service is friendly and the atmosphere is casual, making it a great spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner. With reasonable prices and delicious food, FDKY BBQ is a top pick for barbecue in the area.
7. FABD Smokehouse
Looking for the best ribs in town with a great atmosphere to boot, look no further than FABD Smokehouse.
This barbecue joint serves up fall-off-the-bone ribs and brisket that are worth every penny. The portions are large, and the food is flavorful. The staff is friendly, and the service is prompt.
Whether you're looking to catch a game or meet up with friends, this little hole in the wall is the perfect spot. Don't miss out on the Spicy Fried Pickles & Peppers or the Bacon Wrapped Sausage.
And if you're looking for something to wash it all down, FABD Smokehouse has a broad libations menu, including $3 domestic beer on Saturday nights.
8. Back Deck BBQ
Back Deck BBQ is a must-visit for anyone who loves great barbecue.
The beef ribs are meaty and lean, while the pork ribs are delicious and perfectly seasoned.
The brisket is cooked just right, and the sides are all homemade and flavorful. The service is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience.
Don't miss out on this small, hole-in-the-wall spot – it's definitely worth the trip.
9. Big Hopp's Southern Eatery
Looking for some delicious southern-style ribs that melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more?" Big Hopp's Southern Eatery" is the place to be!
With a wide variety of soul food on the menu, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving some authentic southern home cooking.
The staff is friendly, the atmosphere is cozy, and the food is always hot and delicious.
So why wait any longer, head over to Big Hopp's Southern Eatery and satisfy your craving for some mouth-watering ribs!
10. Tim Pages Cornerstore LLC
Tim Pages Cornerstore LLC is a hidden gem for those who crave delicious ribs.
The menu offers a wide variety of options, but the ribs are the standout dish. The smoky and sweet sauce is the perfect complement to the tender meat.
The sides are also noteworthy, especially the mac and cheese and creamy slaw. The staff is friendly and welcoming, making for a pleasant dining experience.
If you're in the mood for some soul food, Tim Pages Cornerstore LLC is definitely worth a visit.
11. Garrison BBQ
Garrison BBQ is a must-visit spot for barbecue lovers. They have an amazing selection of ribs and other meats that are cooked to perfection.
The workers are incredibly helpful and ensure that your food comes out fresh and hot.
The catfish sandwich with Mac and cheese is a must-try dish that will leave you wanting more.
Whether you're looking for a delicious lunch or dinner, Garrison BBQ is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings.
12. Big Momma's Soul Kitchen
Big Momma's Soul Kitchen is a no-frills joint serving up delicious soul food classics.
Their ribs are tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The portions are big, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.
While there may be a wait, it's worth it for the home-cooked taste and quality of the food.
If you're in the mood for some down-home meat and sides, Big Momma's Soul Kitchen is definitely worth a visit.
13. Roof Top Grill – Oak Street
Roof Top Grill – Oak Street is a Jamaican restaurant that serves up some of the best ribs in town.
The rib tips dinner meal is a standout dish, and the jerk beef tips and jerk chicken on a bed of rice and red beans are also worth trying. The collard greens and fries are noteworthy sides.
The food is fresh, full of flavor, and reasonably priced. The service is fast and friendly, and the bartenders are talkative.
The atmosphere may not be desirable, but there is outdoor seating in the back. Highly recommended for anyone craving authentic Jamaican cuisine.
14. South End BBQ
South End BBQ is a family-owned restaurant that serves up some of the best barbecue in town. The menu may be small, but the flavors are big.
The smoked meats are tender and flavorful, and the homemade barbecue sauces add an extra touch of deliciousness.
The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the atmosphere is clean and inviting. Prices are reasonable, and portions are generous.
Whether you dine in or take out, you won't be disappointed with the food at South End BBQ.
15. Holy Smokes BBQ & Catering
Holy Smokes BBQ & Catering is a top-notch restaurant for those who love ribs. They offer St. Louis-style ribs that are perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection.
The sides are also delicious, with homemade slaw, potato salad, and cornbread that complement the ribs perfectly.
The smoked turkey leg is also a must-try, as it is enormous and packed with flavor.
The prices are reasonable, and the service is friendly and quick. It's no wonder why this restaurant is a top choice for BBQ lovers.
16. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que
Looking for some mouth-watering ribs in an American West-themed space, look no further than Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que.
This popular BBQ chain serves up wood-smoked meats and sides that are sure to satisfy any craving.
With attentive and friendly service, you'll feel right at home as you indulge in their award-winning ribs and delicious sides.
Don't forget to try their famous brisket and chicken, and top it off with some peach cobbler for dessert. Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que is the perfect spot for a casual and tasty meal with family and friends.
